Stefan Kiesbye's four main characters (Christian, Martin, Linde, Anke) take turns narrating the story of their tiny village during their childhoods. We all know that children can be cruel, but these four and their peers take things to a whole new level as they follow the examples of the adults in the village. Houses are burned, yes, but these children are not destined to leave the village.
Kiesbye's writing style matches the plot perfectly. Information is presented, responses and repercussions are recorded, emotions are kept in check until they erupt in violence. Innocence is routinely punished. This village, with its haunting memories, longstanding grudges, and crowd mentality is not a place to live, but it is fascinating to visit. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down.
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